Ian Marshall (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I suppose my circumstances are slightly different from those of other Senators in that I reside in the North and I perform a function as a Senator in this House. I am, therefore, aware of both sides of this argument.

Agreements made more than 60 years ago with a degree of vagueness and ambiguity present a number of concerns. However, if we consider that we trade in an all-island agrifood economy with all-island animal and plant health as our primary concern, voisinagemust be about reciprocal arrangements. It is about fairness and transparency and an acceptance that an arrangement that gives access to one party while restricting the other is wholly unfair.

I do not believe this Bill is the biggest threat to the fishing industry. When we consider what the biggest threats are to this industry, we need to consider everything. The aquaculture licensing review group, in line with the recommendations in Food Wise 2025 and Ireland's national strategic plan for sustainable aquaculture development, indicated the threats most important to the bottom grown industry are the variation of seed stalk and invasive species. The group cites as contributing factors a "highly energetic" Irish Sea and predation concerns, especially by starfish. Furthermore, the Northern Ireland Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture indicated in 2015 that the downward trend in the occurrence, location and size of wild seed beds was due to natural variability and unsustainable weather conditions. Climate change is, therefore, potentially having an impact on the industry.

Subject to regulation and supervision, I would support the Bill. I stress the Northern Ireland component of this. Northern Ireland owned and registered vessels are small in number. It is not the case that a large flotilla or armada is coming in this direction. The issue is one of making legal provision for these individuals and ensuring they are subject to the same controls, direction and regulations as all Southern vessels. Furthermore, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in Belfast can and should work together to ensure the environment and all the coastal waters and marine ecology of this island are protected.

As a farmer, I understand the concern of the fishing industry and fishing organisations but I understand these concerns South and North. If we consider everything in the round, specifically proper regulation, adequate surveillance and controls, including timing and methods of fishing, and the current pressures on the industry, namely, climatic pressures on the stalks, and if the review process and scrutiny is upheld, I would support this Bill and move to ensure that reciprocal arrangements are in place.

This is about families and about businesses, in Southern Ireland but also in Northern Ireland. Protecting them and growing and developing the industry in a sustainable manner on an all-island basis must be paramount.